Local flag enthusiast disappointed by vandalism to mounted American flags in downtown village

By Nanci G. Hutson, staff writer

Published 10:37 pm, Monday, October 5, 2009

NEW MILFORD -- Peter Orenski, better known as "Flag Man,'' is saddened that vandals ripped down five flag poles in the downtown village and threw the American flags into the nearby road.

He said he was informed Sunday morning by a police officer that five poles -- three on Bennitt Street and two on the south end of Main Street -- were ripped off the town's light posts and the flags thrown on the ground.

From the report, Mrazik said it appears the vandals damaged the poles but not the actual flags, though it is deemed a sign of disrespect to allow flags of any shape or size touch the ground. The recovered flags were returned to town offices, he said.

Mrazik said this was most likely some type of youthful prank, but an unacceptable one all the same.

"They're up there for a reason. Leave them alone,'' Mrazik said of the flags.

Some seven or eight years ago the town initiated a program whereby people could donate $50 for a flag and pole to pay homage to America after a few women wrote to Town Hall about other towns that decorated their downtowns in a similar patriotic fashion.

Orenski, the Romanian-born owner of a flag design and distribution business, was then asked to spearhead the project. He arranged to order flags, poles and brackets at a wholesale cost.

About 110 flags and poles were then purchased and attached to light posts around the downtown village area.

Orenski said the town's patriotism has been appreciated and respected by town residents and tourists.

The town has periodically covered the expenses of replacing flags and poles that have been damaged by age, weather or accident. Public Works Department crews have provided the installation labor, he said.

Vandalism of these displays has been nominal, Orenski said.

So he said he was a bit stunned when he alerted to the vandalism Sunday.

"I'm certainly grateful that this has never happened to this extent before, and terribly saddened and stunned to see such vandalism to our national symbol,'' Orenski said.

Police said anyone who may have witnessed this crime is asked to contact the station at 860-355-3133.